The Royal Hospital Chelsea provides care for war veterans

The design by Quinlan Terry is in a neo classicist style but architects Lord Rogers and Lord Foster say the building should be more modern.

English Heritage and Kensington and Chelsea council support the design but a public inquiry may now be launched.

The infirmary provides 24-hour care for the most vulnerable war veterans.

Cramped accommodation

The new centre is being built in order to meet the requirements of the Care Standards Act.

Michael Legge, of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said: "There are those who would like a modern building but we think a traditional building is right.

"It is going to be very unfortunate for the old gentlemen who are in cramped temporary accommodation if they have to wait another two or three years while there is a public inquiry."

The new building will be sited close to the original buildings put up by Sir Christopher Wren and added to by Sir John Sloane, which are also in a traditional style.

The hospital was founded in 1682 by King Charles II.